Ss Players score help for school Scholarships assist college athletes who require aid to pay their tuition and bills By JACQUELINE LANGEN to defray the cost of post-second- ary education is through sports scholarships. First year student Jolissa Cross- ley, a member of the women’s bas- ketball team, says that receiving an athletic scholarship has benefited her immensely. “If you work hard in athletics, it can provide you a gateway to school,” said Crossley. Not only does the funding sup- port Crossley financially, it also positively impacts her educational experience. “Scholarships are awarded based on athletic performance, commit- ment and leadership skills,” said athletic department assistant Carly Scarr. The Langara athletics depart- ment allocates approximately $72,000 each year towards student athletic scholarships. This is nearly one quarter of the department’s to- tal budget for each fiscal year and can be money well spent. For comparison, the business de- partment will be awarding approxi- mately $3,500 in scholarships for the spring semester. Third year marketing student Christopher Glubisz thinks that more funding should be granted. “In order for us to attend more networking events and other vari- ous business functions, more mon- ey needs to be introduced. We as business students are competing with others from UBC and Simon Fraser University,” said Glubisz. Maximum Fitness Boot Camp trainer and prior youth athletics coach Nathan Penner thinks that sports are a big part of our culture and should be recognized accord- ingly. “People can spend a lot of time and effort practicing their sport and they should be rewarded for that. There should be opportunities for everyone,” said Penner. F: the athletically gifted, one way - er ie FC i he i BOXING brid ay Niglily FIGHTS pet, BRENNA BROOKS photo Langara aboriginal studies student Dave Robinson stands in his north Burnaby boxing gym where he says everyone is welcome. t-risk youth fight to succeed Dave Robinson, Langara student and boxing coach, to speak at UBC multi-day conference promoting the importance of physical activity Conference speakers WANEEK HORN- MILLER Assembley of First Nations DR. VICTORIA PARASCHAK The University of Windsor DAVE ROBINSON Langara College student, boxing coach TRACY STEERE Fraser Health LATASHKINEM Ayas Men Men Child and Family Services MELISSA BLIND Native Women's Association of Canada By BRENNA BROOKS angara aboriginal studies student Dave Robinson will be presenting the benefits of boxing for youth at risk at the National Aboriginal Physical Activity Conference. The NAPAC is a two-day networking and educational conference that pro- motes the values of physical activity in Aboriginal communities. Robinson, 29, has been a boxing coach for 11 years and has had 88 ama- teur fights of his own. Robinson recently retired as the cur- rent BC Super Middleweight Champi- on, and hopes to share his positive ex- periences with youth and _ others attending the conference. “Boxing is an aboriginal style of sport because a lot of boxing knowl- edge is only passed down through oral traditions,” said Robinson. “You have to be mentally stable, have a positive, healthy physical presence and you need to use your intellectual benefits to better yourself.” The physicality of boxing, although extremely beneficial, is not the main at- traction to the sport. The mental and emotional benefits gained are just as good, if not better in terms of motiva- tion and confidence. Robinson describes boxing as a way to regain a good path in life, which he has seen in friends and students. “A lot of changes [happen] inside boxing clubs, it’s a really good thing for them,” said Robinson. He believes in always having an open door at the gym. Having both male and female dy- namics along with active youth involve- ment makes that possible. “The boxing gym itself creates a safe space for kids even if they don’t feel good about their life outside the gym,” said Robinson. “They have a safe place here where they can express themselves, [and] feel good about what they’re working to- wards.” The conference will be held at the University of British Columbia in the Woodward Building from February 21 to the 22nd. Robinson will be given 50 minutes to speak in front of the aboriginal commu- nity, along with three other boxing en- thusiasts, in a session titled ‘The Bene- fits of Boxing’. Robinson will share the podium with Roger Adolph, an aboriginal boxer who holds a place in the Canadian boxing hall of fame. Adolph began boxing at the Kam- loops Indian residential school and moved to Vancouver became a member of the South Hill Boxing Club. He won his first national title in 1963 and moved to England to become a pro- fessional boxer. His pro career however was short- lived due to injuries and he won just one professional fight. Langara badminton team confident before provincial championships this weekend Falcons will open tournament Saturday in Chilliwack against rivals Kwantlen Eagles By NIALL SHANNON team is training hard for the up- coming provincial tournament in Chilliwack this weekend and are confi- dent that they will play well and bring some trophies back to Langara. Ashley Jang is one of many players in a positive mindset. “We all really help each other get motivated and confident. We know how to take constructive criticism and to work together,” said Jang. Jang looked in good form during a late night practice last Wednesday, and has performed well in the mixed dou- Te: Langara Falcons badminton bles with partner Matt Downton de- spite recovering from an ACL injury. “T just want Matt and I to play our best and play our heart out, get to the nationals and bring back the banner for Langara,” said Jang. Meanwhile mixed doubles partner Downton worked on his smash along- side team mate Eric Chiu. “We're really focusing on our train- ing, we want to mix it up in the tourna- ment,” Downton said. Head coach Mare Petreman praised the team for their fitness, team bond- ing and overall talent but said that the Falcons need to work on their confi- dence. “In my opinion, they could easily be second, if not first, when they get that confidence in playing together,” he said. Starting on Saturday, the provincial tournament will provide a chance for the Falcons to go against their long- time rivals Kwantlen Eagles. The Falcons won’t be going for gold at the tournament, as the Douglas Col- lege Royals have such an enormous lead in points that closing the gap will be impossible in tournament play. The team will look to better their performance last year in Kamloops where they finished third after losing their final match to the Capilano Blues. sail Co #2 NIALL SHANNON photo Falcon’s player Eric Chiu practises his serve ahead of this weekend’s provincial championship tournament.